WARWICKSHIRE MEANS BUSINESS

Welcome from chief exective Monica Fogarty

Hello and welcome to the January edition of Warwickshire Still Means Business.

As another lockdown deepens, I would like to start by expressing my huge pride and admiration for how the people and the businesses community of Warwickshire continue to face up to the challenges of the pandemic.

Another lockdown period is difficult for everyone in many different ways and the strength and generosity of spirit that is shown on a daily basis by so many people is truly awe-inspiring.

At Warwickshire County Council, we are here to offer all the support that we can in as many ways that we can. The importance of us all protecting our mental health at this time cannot be over-stated, so in this edition of WSMB, we feature our Employee Assistance Programme. It is an excellent programme offering tailored support which is now available to all small and micro businesses. Please do have a read and see if it could be of use to you - and if so, do click on the link. We are here to help.

We also have some big news with approval this week for the launch of a new stream of WCC businesses support funding. We have allocated £1.5million for the Adapt & Diversify grant scheme for those small businesses most adversely affected by the pandemic - initially those in the retail, hospitality, tourism and leisure sectors. Again, please contact us if this support could benefit your business.

This year is expected to see many people, their circumstances having changed, consider starting up their own businesses. In another article, we outline the wide range of support available around start-ups, while we also reveal how business support has helped Gallery Photiq in a way that will benefit the wider local business community and economy.

As we all look ahead and try to plan, it is vital that we do not take our eye off the ball right now in terms of tackling the virus. So please continue to do the right thing, keep following all the Government guidelines and if you run a business, where appropriate, ensure that your employees are tested regularly.

I am so immensely proud of the way that Warwickshire has dealt with all that has been thrown at us in this last difficult year. I am equally certain that the resilience of this brilliant county will not buckle. The strength that you are all showing now leaves us well-placed to move forward again in the months and years ahead.

Look after you and yours and stay safe.

Monica

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